5 PC Parts You Should Replace Rather Than Repair
Once a computer component stops working we need to decide if we’re having it replaced, repaired, or just get by with a temporary fix. For the short run, repair or just getting by will nearly always be the cheapest solution. Replacement on the other hand will usually provide a better fix and an opportunity to even go for an upgrade. In fact, considering the rate at which the most technologies behind computer hardware have been evolving recently, unless you replace something soon after a purchase, you’ll most probably be getting an upgrade for your next replacement.
Below are 5 components of your computer which, if replaced (and generally upgraded), will provide excellent benefits, from enhanced user experience, additional compatibility, greater longevity to full system stability.
- Power Supply: One of the most overlooked component of computer hardware is the power supply unit (PSU). Computer geeks often brag about their super-fast processors, cutting edge video cards, and massive gigs of RAM, but rarely about their great PSUs.
Sincerely, the power supply is the last thing you should hold back on when choosing components for your system. If a computer’s brain is its processor, its heart is the power supply. And having one that is worn out, underpowered, or just generally cheap can be a major cause of hardware failure.
Every computer’s power requirements differ, but a good minimum for a modern PC is 450 watts. Some systems, particularly those with several high-end video cards or lots of additional cards and peripherals may require a PSU rated at 800 watts or more. Replacing a failing or inadequate power supply can make a previously unstable system stable.
2. Fans: Since computers have gotten more powerful over the last few decades, they have also gotten hotter. Instead of passively cooled Pentium 100, we now have fans on our massive CPU heatsinks, on our monstrous video cards, and on intake and outtake vents to our computer cases. All of these computer fans play significant roles by keeping our systems safely cooled, and we should ensure that they continue doing so.
As one of the few moving parts in our PCs though, they are one of the most likely to actually break. When they break though, it’s likely to pass unnoticed or not cause much concern. Also, fans are cheap and easy to replace. It generally takes about 8 Pounds, 15 minutes, and a screwdriver to install a new one, so there’s really no good excuse for not doing so.
3. Video Card: One of the most essential and priciest elements in the performance of your system and overall user experience; there are two major reasons to replace it should your old one bite the dust.
First, video cards are one of the components that are being improved nearly every day. A two-year old video card simply cannot be as fast as a current one and won’t have the newest features (such as support for DirectX 12). Also, the video card is the number one hardware stopgap as we migrate OS (operating system). Manufacturers just won’t provide compatible drivers for lots of their old video cards if their users migrate to higher OS since they want to sell newer video cards too. This means that many of us will have to replace our video cards whether they are broken or not, if we plan to upgrade.
4. Keyboard: Considering that we spend hours every day banging away at them, it’s imperative to have a keyboard that’s comfortable and efficient. And since we use them so much and often so brutally J They are very likely to break often. Keys come off, get stuck, or just get really dirty. When these things happen, you should usually go ahead and replace the keyboard rather than live with the hassle.
Today’s keyboards have new and really cool features. Some have built-in user-defined macro keys for often-repeated commands; some can fold up for easy transportability; some have built-in ports so they can double as USB hubs. There is that one keyboard that really suits your style.
5. Motherboard and Processor: Changing the motherboard is considered the most involved upgrade, and this is the truth. Since it usually means “starting over” with a clean installation of the operating system, lots of people are loath to change to a newer board even when the old one gives up the ghost, preferring instead to replace it with the exact same model, therefore, avoiding having to wipe the OS. However, since a motherboard upgrade is the most involved, it also can give the widest assortment of benefits.
Replacing the motherboard typically gives us the chance to upgrade to the latest processor technology. Today, you can get the benefits of a quadcore CPU + hexacore GPU setup with only one processor, thanks to the multi-core technology. In a multitasking or multithreaded environment, this powerfully increases your PCs performance.
Moreover, upgrading the motherboard gives you access to new technologies for other components. SATA I hard drives and optical drives can be upgraded to SATA II. AGP video cards can be upgraded to PCI-E. USB 2.0 ports become USB 3.0 or even USB Type-C. The list goes on for virtually every component. Sometimes, even though it can be a pain, starting over can be the best thing.
